Garden Design
Bespoke gardens, designed around you and your surroundings
A successful garden should feel completely at home in its setting.
I design gardens around the character of the site, its architecture, existing features, views, climate and landscape, alongside the way you want to use and enjoy the space.
Projects can range from individual areas of a garden through to a complete redesign, with each scheme developed specifically for the site rather than following a particular formula or style.
Garden design can include:
Complete garden design
Reworking existing gardens
Garden rooms and different areas within a larger space
Layout, structure and flow
Hard landscaping concepts
Planting design
Incorporating existing trees, planting and architectural features
Garden Design & Project Management
Every garden is different, and so is the level of help it needs.
I offer a flexible range of garden design, planting, restoration and consultancy services, from a single conversation or planting plan through to the design and management of a complete garden transformation.
My approach is always led by the site, its surroundings and the people who will use it.
“Clare really understood and delivered on the brief. We asked for a low maintenance garden which didn’t look too rigid but wild/natural looking.” - Laura and Carlo.
Planting Design
Planting that develops beautifully over time
Planting is an important part of how a garden feels.
I create planting schemes that consider colour, structure, texture, seasonality and movement, while also responding to the practical conditions of the site.
This can include naturalistic planting, coastal gardens, country gardens, enhancing established borders or completely new planting schemes.
Planting design is available as part of a wider garden design project or as a standalone service.
“The project went smoothly, from the detailed plans and costings to completion, disruption was minimal.” - Kath
Project Management
Taking a garden from design to reality
For clients who would like support beyond the design stage, I can oversee the project through to completion.
I have worked with trusted local craftsmen, landscapers and specialist contractors for many years and can bring together the right people for each individual project.
Project management may include:
Coordinating contractors and specialist trades
Liaising between the client, designer and contractors
Monitoring the progress of the work
Checking details against the agreed design
Resolving practical issues as the project develops
Overseeing planting and final details
My role is to keep the original vision for the garden at the heart of the project while making sure the different elements come together successfully.
Garden Restoration & Development
Working with what is already there
Not every garden needs to start again.
Established gardens often contain mature trees, planting, walls, paths and other features that are worth preserving but may have become overgrown, neglected or disconnected over time.
With many years of experience restoring private estate gardens and established landscapes, I can help identify what should remain, what needs to change and how new structure or planting can breathe life back into the garden.
The aim is to respect the history and character of the site while allowing the garden to evolve for its next chapter.
“She came up with creative solutions… including the uncovering of a long abandoned brick path which is now a feature of the garden.”- Kath
Garden Consultancy
Experienced advice when you need a fresh perspective
Sometimes you don't need a complete garden design.
A consultation can help you make sense of an existing garden, solve a particular problem or decide what to do next.
Consultancy can cover:
Planting advice
Developing existing borders
Specialist or challenging environments
Coastal planting
Establishing new planting
Long-term garden development
Garden management plans
Practical layout and use of the space
Reviewing ideas before committing to larger works
Consultations can take place on site or, where appropriate, by telephone or Zoom.
“I had very little idea of what was possible and very little horticultural knowledge but Clare was easy to work with and knowledgeable about everything from planting to hard landscaping.” - Kath
Garden Management & Long-Term Development
Some gardens benefit from experienced guidance long after the initial design or restoration work has been completed.
I can help develop longer-term plans for established gardens, including seasonal priorities, planting development and how the garden should be managed as it matures.
This can be particularly valuable for larger private gardens and estates where the original design needs to be protected while allowing the garden to continue evolving naturally.
Fees
Design and consultancy work is currently charged at £55 per hour, plus travel where applicable.
Larger design, restoration and project management commissions are discussed individually, as the scope and requirements of every garden are different.
If you're unsure what level of help you need, an initial conversation is often the best place to begin.
Client Reviews
“Clare was... knowledgeable about everything from planting to hard landscaping.”
— Kath
“In addition she gave us a garden which has colour all year round, a beautiful bespoke patio and some good advice about where to place our garden furniture.”
— Laura and Carlo
Every Garden Begins With a Conversation
Whether you already have a clear idea of what you would like or simply know that your garden isn't quite working for you, I'd be very happy to hear about it.